Criminal neglect

Supreme Court report reveals Imran Khan denied jail facilities, suffers severe vision loss

The amicus curiae's report submitted to the Supreme Court on Imran Khan's living conditions in jail is a damning indictment of the government. It categorically reveals that lawful facilities under the prison manual were denied to the incarcerated former prime minister, and especially, his health concerns were not taken care of. This criminal neglect caused a severe infection in the PTI founder's right eye, which is now left with less than 15% of vision.

Salman Safdar, whom the top court has assigned the role of 'Friend of Court' to visit Khan and report on how he is being treated during imprisonment, informed a two-member bench under Chief Justice Yahya Afridi that until October 2025, Khan's vision was 6x6, but later it began to blur. It is now documented that the jail superintendent ignored all pleas for a course correction, including access to a qualified ophthalmologist.

The apex court's intervention, though belated, is appreciable. On the other hand, the government now finds itself in the dock, as it failed to go by the book and the high-profile prisoner was apparently made to suffer. That is why the lords have issued orders that Khan be allowed to see personal physicians and establish telephonic contact with his sons living abroad. That the court has sought compliance with its order by February 16 is a good omen, and the government must abide by it.

The minute details of the PTI chief's daily routine, his menu and the stunted facilities available to him in prison warrant a comparison with how the who's who have been treated behind bars in yesteryears. At the same time, the controlled relief ordered by the court for Khan also speaks of the pressure on the judiciary that has apparently forced it stop short of exhibiting magnanimity.

The situation calls for accountability of jail officials and those at the helm, whose criminal neglect is costing the former chief executive his eyesight. It's time to make amends and let justice and fair play be the hallmarks in dealings with imprisoned political inmates.